Saturday March 10, 2012

Not, I hope, the 'calm before the storm'?

My husband, Greg’s big scary surgery went off without a hitch. He is now cheerfully stomping up and down the street walking faster than he has since the cancer was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago! In training for his victory climb up Bluff Knoll later in the year, Greg reports that all the dozens of people that volunteered to go with him from the time he first announced his goal are getting nervous! “They said they’d come only cos they thought there was no way I’d do it. Now they’re not so sure!” . A few days ago, Greg brought me a cup of tea, for the first time in years! Quite a victory – you can’t do that when you’re using 2 crutches. No big dramas from Greg just lately...let’s hope it stays that way! (btw that’s my lovely 86 year old mummy taking Greg for a walk down our street :)

I suggest - don’t push

Creating abstract work is not about precision. It’s about exploiting serendipity: The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident. Of course there is room for precision too – if you want a precise colour, canvas size or text that will enhance your work. But the best of paintings have an effortless-ness to them, both in execution and in effect. When comparing artwork that is laboured over or artwork that is free-flowing, the difference in viewing pleasure (and in creating pleasure) is quite marked. So if your creative output encounters resistance, I suggest - don’t push.

Have you ever wondered what an Abstract Expressionist is?

Here’s a tiny little peek into 20th century art history: Jackson Pollock (that’s a Pollock painting), Mark Rothko, Mark Tobey & William de Kooning were all iconic figures in the Abstract Expressionist movement. Although outwardly there was very little similarity between their styles, however, they all belonged to the New York School of Art, they all practised in the mid 20th Century, all considered themselves bohemians and all painted in a dramatic, energetic and experimental manner. The 'action' of painting was valued above the result. This seems a time in modern art history when things were pulsating and intense, and so were the artists! We owe them heaps - they led us away from the fairly tame brush-style paintings that were the norm of day, to brave, full on, 'in the moment' drama painting. So when I counsel my students that in my class, “process equals outcome” – I've now learned the idea comes directly from Abstract Expressionism! If you want to learn more about this art movement, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Arts for a great essay on this interesting movement.

If you're looking for some inspiration...

I recently discovered an interesting American artist, author and possibilitarian (what’s that, you ask), Kelly Rae Roberts. She's quite a phenomenon.

And if you haven’t heard this seminal TED talk by Sir Ken Robinson on creativity, please don’t delay (over 9 million views)!

When the weather cools down, I highly recommend taking in some big gulps of air along the Swan River at sunset :) works wonders for me.

She was my student, but is now my (incredible) teacher

If you haven’t heard of Kelly Exeter, let me introduce you...
Kelly is a multi-talented graphic designer, blogger, businesswoman, athlete, writer, life-hacker, mother, wife (I’m sure I’ve missed a few things) and all round Very Nice Person . She is the person behind my website, the one who introduced me to blogging, and her writing is a great inspiration to me. (But mostly she just annoys me with how organised, tidy, and supremely productive she is!). Kelly came to one of my workshops, and we have become friends ever since. It’s worth paying a visit to her lovely site: A Life Less Frantic. (We could all do with one!) I’m sure you’ll enjoy her engaging style and useful tips.

If you would like to step into your creativity...

I'd love to help you! Just click on the date below to book a place:

Painting for Beginners on Sun March 25th or Sunday April 1: ONE spot has just become available in each. These workshops have been booked up for weeks, so you’re in luck if you want to get in last minute. For The Next Step on Sunday April 22nd – 2 places left.

** Mother’s Day in May ** If you book a Beginners workshop on Sunday May 6th, 13th and 20th for MUM you'll get $50 OFF. Or buy her a Mother's Day Gift Voucher, click on any of the dates to book a spot. I think it's a beautiful way to spend Mother's Day - creating side by side with mum. (But do check if she can manage an INTENSIVE workshop :)

I'm deeply grateful

that you shared this space with me. Thank you to everyone who reads this newsletter, my blogs, and who’s liked my Facebook page. I enjoy reading your comments, feedback or questions - I love hearing from you :)

PS Now is the perfect time for mum to step into her creativity, as workshops for her are specially priced this May. You can get her personalised gift voucher here.